Well, firstly Revalation aka Rev, is a Puerto Rican MC. And to clear the air for those that think I spell the name wrong, I did it purposely lol. I did it that way so it sticks out and doesn't get confused with the biblical passage. Just my way of making it unique through the spelling. But I'm also Co-CEO of EMS Productions along with M-Dot and a part the crew EMS (Experimental Mind State). Currently I reside on the outskirts of New Bedford, MA aka the Secret City (Appropriately titled for the vast hidden talent in the area in all forms of Hip-Hop).

In your bio you state that you were born in South Bronx, NY. Do you think that your place of birth had anything to do with your inclination towards hip-hop?

Yes, I was definitely born in the South Bronx, lived in the Tremont area and moved around here and there, finally arriving in New Bedford, MA at age 10. But I definitely think that my upbringing in the Bronx guided me towards hip-hop. I mean during the 80's it was all around me. From people breakin' on the corner, to the graf on the walls, people spittin' in cyphers on the corners. My aunt used to tell me stories about KRS-One spittin' behind my elementary school haha. So it certainly rubbed off on me.

When did you start writing and what influenced you to rhyme?

I started jotting down rhymes at around 13, I was in Junior High School. My grandfather was in a local Doo Wop group and used to do gigs around the way and sing at the park, so you can say music was in the blood. Some of my early influences musically were mostly old Motown records. The Temptations, Jackson 5, The Supremes, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, etc. The good shit, when music was fun you know? As I grew older and got into Hip-Hop I was spinning KRS-One (from my native Bronx home), De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest, Kool G. Rap, Rakim, Wu-Tang Clan, 2Pac, Nas, Biggie, Gang Starr, Big L, etc.

I always admired the fact that you are very selfless and willing to promote other people (as evidenced by the numerous emails that you have sent me regarding M-Dot, Mayhem and other close associates). How do you remain humble in an industry that is dominated by ego?

That's a great question and I get asked that a lot in different forms. I guess the best way to put it is, having humility. I surrender myself to God and always recognize there is something greater than myself at work in this world. I may not be the most religious person but I'm spiritual and when you can wake up everyday and just be happy to be breathing, all else seems to simplify itself and fall into place.

Also, I sometimes I get asked why I go so hard for my team and how come I don't just promote ME? To answer that as well, I'm trying to run a label upstart with EMS Productions. Now, if I only focused all of my energy on myself, not only would it be selfish but it would limit the amount of talent our entire roster has to offer and the potential we have as a team to impact the game. Plus, EMS is my family and an extension of me, so if you support ANY member of EMS, you are in essence supporting me because if one of us makes it and breaks down that barrier than we all make it. "All for one, one for all."

Describe the cohesiveness of the group that you are apart of (Experimental Mindstate or EMS).

The best way for me to describe EMS is using our name in itself, Experimental Mind State. We all come from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds and have diverse tastes in music. Everybody on the team has a certain lane and caters to different audiences but also they don't limit themselves. Every member has the versatility to do radio friendly songs, freestyles, punchline rap, conscious rap, storytelling, etc. Another aka we go by is Education Musically Spoken, as typically we try to bring music with meaning and yes we have fun on some songs, which is needed because in life everyone cuts loose, but generally we try to make music that inspires others and that people can relate to.

Do you feel that you are underrepresented in this game and your area?

Truthfully, everyone will always want more recognition for their art form. If you aren't striving to be the best at what you do than why even do it? But I think that our buzz is growing and I can be proud of where my team is at and how far we've come. People don't often realize the shit we've had to deal with just to be where we are and we still have such a long way to go based on what our goals are.

A few months ago you released a dope single called "The Goods" which features Mayhem. What was the concept of the song?

"The Goods" is actually off an EP of the same title all produced by my dude Tha Silent Partner (Waasawki Music Group) and the concept was basically a braggadocio song letting people know that I got "The Goods" or I got what they are looking for, and if they listen and give it a chance they'll see Hip-Hop is in the building. Shout out to my EMS brother Mayhem who's on the track as well and has a great verse. The video is on YouTube, check it out if you haven't yet.

I am getting ready to organize my first music video and I wanted to know if you could share some tips. What are some essentials elements associated with a music video?

Well, I've only done a few personally but my best advice is be yourself and have fun. Let the music do the talking and just stay within your element.

You are working on a new project for 2012 called Feature Presentation. Describe the concept and the expectations for the project.

Before Feature Presentation drops, look for The Goods EP that should be out in the next couple months on Itunes and Amazon. But Feature Presentation is the second installment in The Revalation Will Be Televised series of mixtapes and playing on that TV/Movie theme. This tape will be all features from the likes of Sha Stimuli, Dominique Larue, Termanology, Reks, TRIBECA, B.A.M., EMS and more. And that will be out in a few months as well.

What do you want to accomplish in 2012?

My only hopes are to keep building the EMS brand and getting on everything we can possibly get on. We have several projects coming up including mixtapes, albums, tours, etc. so be on the look out for that.

How can the masses get in contact with you?

For business purposes including guest verses or to send me beats hit me at clfigueroa@gmail.com and to keep track of what I'm doing you can follow me on Twitter or on Facebook.

Any final words?

I just want to thank you Praverb & your site for the opportunity to do this interview, you know we go way back and I'm glad we finally had this opportunity to chop it up. Also shout out 2 my whole EMS team and all our affiliates, too many to name but they already know who they are and much love to the FANS. Thank all of you guys for your dedication & support, let's keep it going in 2012 and beyond. Shout out to my family for their support as well and last but not least shout out to my girl Kendra for all her love and support.